City of Tampa

An employee in this class, under direction, manages and oversees Special Operations for Tampa Fire Rescue. Work is of considerable difficulty, requiring considerable initiative and independent judgment in establishing programs and procedures. The employee is responsible for managing and executing plans supporting the following operations: Hazardous Materials, Domestic Preparedness, the Marine Division, Tactical Medical Response Team (TMRT) and Heavy Rescue (rope rescue, extrication, confined space, K- 9 and Urban Search and Rescue) within TFR. The employee is responsible for all budgeting, assessment of training needs and procurement of equipment for these areas. Employees normally work a forty (40) hour work week; however, they are subject to recall during off duty hours when emergencies arise. Considerable tact, courtesy, and professionalism are necessary as employees represent the department in coordinating activities and meeting with governmental and other agencies. Work is reviewed through conferences, staff meetings, and reports submitted.

Attends meetings and serves as liaison or committee member representing TFR at various local and state meetings and on committees regarding response to terrorism, security and intelligence, emergency planning, natural disasters, marine spills, threat assessment, awarding of grants, environmental standards and protection, and hurricane preparedness; assists in developing policy statewide and in coordinating with state and federal agencies such as FEMA; as a member of the Florida Task Force 3 FEMA team, attends meetings at the State level and works to secure future funding to build up task force for the region.

Coordinates multi-agency exercises; participates in table top disaster drills for Busch Gardens and CSX railroad; participates in field disaster exercises; coordinates and works closely with the Coast Guard and the Port Authority in order to coordinate plans pertaining to marine/port fire-fighting operations.

Prepares and justifies budget for the following operations: Hazardous Materials, Domestic Preparedness, the Marine Division, TMRT, and Heavy Rescue.

Researches and evaluates equipment needs; is in charge of all selection, purchasing, acquisitions, maintenance and repair of equipment for Hazardous Materials, Domestic Preparedness, the Marine Division, TMRT, and Heavy Rescue operations; monitors ongoing acceptance and inventory of equipment provided through state and federal grants.

Assesses and monitors all on-going training needs for Hazardous Materials, Domestic Preparedness, the Marine Division, TMRT, and Heavy Rescue operations; sets agenda for curriculum development; researches and secures required training for new highly technical equipment to be used by TFR's Hazardous Material Technicians in the event of an act of terrorism or significant chemical release.

Reviews safety and legal requirements pertaining to personnel and equipment; reads and interprets, as they pertain to compliance, standards for Hazardous Materials, Domestic Preparedness, the Marine Division, and Heavy Rescue operations and all applicable NFPA (National Fire Protection Academy), OSHA and DOT guidelines; submits SARA (Superfund) Tier II EPA environmental regulations reports.

Addresses SOP revisions to maintain that they are updated regarding techniques and/or procedures.

Prepares and procures grants for TFR; works with Legal Department regarding grants and contracts.

Responds to all second-alarm emergencies as needed; serves as backup to Public Information Officer; serves as assistant to the Assistant Chief –Operations as needed, especially in attending non-reoccurring meetings.

Prepares reports and correspondence; maintains records; manages unit budget and work processes.

Performs related tasks as required.

 

Extensive knowledge of: principles and practices of modern firefighting, fire administration, organization and programs, and fire apparatus and equipment; modern developments, current literature, and sources of information relating to fire service administration; principles, practices, techniques, current literature and sources of information regarding Hazardous Materials, Domestic Preparedness, Marine firefighting, and Heavy Rescue operations.

Considerable knowledge of: emergency medical services; port fire suppression and rescue, and fire training methods and procedures; modern management practices and procedures.

Working knowledge of: labor relations, including negotiations, contract administration and grievance processing.

Ability to: write and speak clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication and public settings; plan, assign, direct and coordinate the work of fire service employees in a manner that promotes full performance; establish and maintain effective working relationships with city officials and employees, labor union representatives, the media and the general public; deal with public relations problems effectively, courteously and tactfully; serve as an effective liaison with governmental and other agencies; plan, organize and refine procedures; set clear objectives and measures to monitor process, progress and results.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in fire science, fire administration or a related field and five (5) years of progressively responsible fire experience including three (3) years in supervisory experience and current status as an “F-10” or higher.

Possession of a valid State of Florida driver’s license.

During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.